Traffic Safety

Strathcona County is committed to the proactive implementation of integrated, evidence-based and collaborative road safety strategies to create an increasingly safe and sustainable transportation environment.

Between 2007 and 2016, there were more than 20,000 motor vehicle collisions reported in Strathcona County. Sixty people lost their lives and 347 suffered major, often life-changing injuries. Altogether, these collisions cost our community over $400 million.

Traffic safety in Strathcona County is the joint responsibility of Strathcona County's Integrated Traffic Unit (RCMP and Enforcement Services) and the Planning, Engineering and Safety branch of Transportation Planning and Engineering. Traffic safety decision-making in the County is guided by the
Traffic Safety Strategic Plan 2020. (3.9 MB)

Safer Systems (aka Vision Zero)

Through the application of the Safer System approach, we are working towards the day when no one is seriously injured or killed while travelling on Strathcona County's road network.

1. What is the Safer Systems approach?

Road safety has evolved significantly over the last 20 years. New road safety measures such as advanced green left turn signals, roundabouts, traffic calming and red light cameras are being implemented.

The reason for these changes is that Strathcona County has begun to employ the Safer System approach to our road network. This approach puts the individual’s safety first. It recognizes that people make mistakes. The roads and road network are designed with that in mind.

The Safer System concepts are internationally recognized as the best way to reduce death and injuries on the road network.

2. How is the "Safer System" approach different from traditional approaches to traffic safety?

It is integrated and proactive – it involves working with many stakeholders to address all elements of road safety.

It is based on a belief that the responsibility for road safety is shared between road users, designers and regulators.

It considers safe transport as the most important outcome of the road network.

It considers death and serious injury to be unacceptable rather than inevitable outcomes of driver error.

It measures the safety level of the system by whether crashes can lead to severe injury or not, not by the number of crashes